Parthenium integrifolium (Wild Quinine)

Parthenium integrifolium (Wild Quinine) is an upright, clump-forming perennial boasting broad, flat-topped clusters of white, button-like flowers from late spring to late summer. Resembling small white pearls from a distance, each flower head features five cute tiny ray flowers. Long-lasting, they withstand extreme weather. They turn brown, almost black, in late fall and remain architectural as they stand into winter. The charming blossoms are borne atop sturdy stems emerging from a thickened, tuberous rootstock. They rise above a rosette of large, coarsely toothed, aromatic leaves. Since it self-sows prolifically, Wild Quinine is best planted in mass in naturalistic meadows or in prairie reconstructions. Wild Quinine was used as a substitute for the bark of the Cinchona tree during World War I, with the goal of supplying quinine to treat malaria.

• Grows up to 2-4 ft. tall (60-120 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. No irrigation or fertilizer required. Drought, clay, dry soil tolerant.
• Wild Quinine is an ideal addition to prairies and meadows, rock gardens, cottage gardens or naturalized areas.
• Excellent as fresh cut flowers or in dried arrangements.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Easy to propagate by seed.
• Native to the eastern United States to from new York to Georgia and west to Minnesota and Texas.